IRMO, S.C. — A Dream Come True for 29 New Citizens
What an incredible day it was in Irmo, South Carolina, as families from various backgrounds celebrated an important milestone in their lives! On this remarkable Friday, a federal judge granted 29 hopeful individuals their U.S. citizenship in a heartfelt ceremony that many of them had dreamed about for years. As they took this crucial step towards their American Dream, the emotions in the room were palpable.
Every Immigrant’s Dream
For many of the new citizens, this was more than just receiving a certificate; it was about becoming part of a community. Jens Wolf Zschoche, who hails from Germany, expressed his joy by saying, “You could never dream of living in America or getting citizenship in America. For me, it’s truly a dream come true.” On the other hand, Mabel Almanzar from the Dominican Republic echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This is an achievement. I think becoming a citizen is a dream that every immigrant that comes to this country has.”
Feeling a sense of belonging is crucial for many immigrants, and Almanzar emphasized that her journey to citizenship is not just about her. She highlighted the added joy of making this achievement for her son, who is 14 years old. “Now that I’m a citizen, my son is one too. It’s something that’s really important for my family and me,” she declared, beaming with pride.
A Global Gathering
The ceremony was special not only for the individuals but also for the diverse community they represent. New citizens hailed from nearly 20 different countries, including Colombia, India, Germany, and Thailand. Each person raised their right hand and took the oath of allegiance, a moment filled with anticipation and emotional weight.
Zschoche shared his story, reflecting on his upbringing and journey. “I lived in east Germany in 1989, and once the wall came down, I moved to west Germany,” he recalled. He described how, as a child, he couldn’t see his father due to border restrictions. However, he later moved to the US in 2007 for work and fell in love with the country, deciding this was where he wanted to stay for good.
A Unique Setting for a Special Moment
What made this ceremony even more significant was its location at Irmo Elementary School. Typically held in courtrooms, judges and lawyers chose this venue to connect with the youth and impart valuable lessons about the importance of citizenship. Derek Shoemake from the John Belton O’Neal American Inn of Court shared the reasoning behind this decision, stating, “How important it is that we have laws in our country. What better place to honor those who did it all the right way and worked so hard to become American citizens than in a school where we’re teaching young kids what it means to be an American?”
A Day to Remember
The joy and excitement that filled the room during this ceremony will likely resonate within the hearts of the newly naturalized citizens for years to come. It was not just a day of formalities but a day celebrating hope and new beginnings.
As these individuals embark on their new journey as American citizens, they carry with them dreams, aspirations, and the promise of a brighter future — for themselves and for their families. Truly, becoming a citizen is a moment that transforms lives.
